Developing a GEF project is a rigorous process. There are 5 phases through which a WWF GEF project is defined and designed:
Concept: A general concept is proposed. The concept must be aligned with government, GEF, and WWF priorities to move forward.
PIF: The concept is fleshed out and the overarching project strategies are identified and developed. The general project framework is described in the Project Information Form (PIF) and, once approved by the GEF Council, GEF funds are earmarked for the project;
ProDoc: Based on the project framework described in the PIF, detailed project design takes place amongst key partners and stakeholders. The overall project development process is iterative. The project design is documented in the ProDoc. The ProDoc is the “business plan” for execution, and should be detailed enough that anyone picking up the document can understand how to execute the project.
CEO Endorsement and Agency Approval: Once the project is fully designed and articulated, the project documents must be endorsed by the GEF CEO and approved by the WWF GEF Agency (Agency approval). The project is then executed according to the plan outlined in the ProDoc.
Execution: The project is executed according to the plan outlined in the ProDoc, and according to WWF GEF Agency guidelines and procedures.